Cadillac’s CT5 offers solid value among upscale domestic sedans
The 2020 CT5 provides a refined ride while maintaining the world-class handling and fun-to-drive characteristics that define Cadillac sedans.
Beach Wheels
I recently test-drove a Cadillac CT5 and can say with confidence that the venerable American automaker still has quite a bit of game left when it comes to sedans.
While my “red obsession” tester can’t really compete with the build quality of like-sized European sedans, the car is a pleasure to drive and be around.
Sitting on 18-inch steel alloy wheels, the sheet metal styling of my 2020 CT5 projected a confident but reserved view from stem to stern.
Beautiful LED headlights are integrated into the angles of the hood while T-shaped LED taillights can be found on the rear. The CT5’s front fascia is shaped into a wide chrome-studded grille centered by Cadillac’s famous crest. LED headlights curve around the angular hood with T-shaped LED taillights bringing up the rear.
Under the hood my “Premium Luxury” edition CT5 was a 3.0 Liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that generates 335 horsepower and a 400 pound-feet of torque. The power plant is mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. With this engine my tester took about five seconds to get to 60 mph from a standing start.
My CT5 was based on General Motors’ Alpha 2 platform which is also the underlying structure for the Chevrolet Camaro.
While I did note some body roll in the curves, my tester always remained stable and comfortable and was a fun vehicle to drive. My CT5’s “eBoost” brakes were competent.
I found the cabin in my tester a well-appointed and comfortable environment. With the Premium Luxury edition, you will find leather upholstery as standard. Tasteful accents in wood and aluminum can be found throughout.
The CT5 Premium Luxury showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American performance sedans, with details designed to elevate every drive.
My CT5 was admittedly limited in terms of cargo space with my tester offering only 11.9 cubic feet of space.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a nice array of features, many of which come standard. Some of these include keyless entry and ignition, adaptive remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 12-way power front seats with two-way lumbar and dual-digital driver information displays. Other standard safety features include HD rearview camera, forward collision avoidance tech, and a safety alert seat.
When you buy into the Premium Luxury package you get lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking assist with rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection.
My CT5’s intuitive infotainment suite features included AM/FM Radio, HD Radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar services — all of which are funneled through a nine-speaker sound system which can be upgraded to a 15-speaker Bose premium audio system if desired.
Standard safety features include ABS, traction and stability control, rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a safety alert seat, and a total of eight airbags. Other available options include lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, front and rear pedestrian detection, emergency braking, automatic reverse braking, lane keep assist and lane departure warning among others.
The $8,300 Platinum Package which delivers a large dual-paned sunroof — a feature that I recommend if you can spring for it.
While mileage on my tester was solid it didn’t exactly knock me down, either. I received 23 miles per gallon in the city, 32 out on the highway and 26 mpg combined.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for my CT5 tester, as trimmed out, came to $59,995.
Final thoughts: Among domestic sedans, you’ll find the CT5 a solid choice and a clear winner. This vehicle delivers in terms of style, performance and comfort. I would definitely put it on your list to test drive.
Jeff Mitchell is a Los Angeles-based automotive industry writer and reviewer. Contact him at j,edward.mitchell@gmail.com